Volleyball: Adamson sweeps UE, on brink of V-League finals

MANILA — Adamson University is on the brink of a Finals berth in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge after sweeping the University of the East in Game 1 of their semifinals series on Wednesday.

The Lady Falcons scored a 25–23, 25–17, 25–17 sweep at the FilOil Centre in San Juan to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series.

They can close out the Lady Warriors on Saturday’s Game 2, set for 5:00 p.m. at the same San Juan venue.

With Alas Pilipinas spiker and team captain Shai Natural back in the fold, Adamson played like the well-oiled machine it was throughout the preliminaries.

Back-to-back kills from Frances Mordi extended the Lady Falcons’ advantage to seven, 19–12, in the third set, and from there, Adamson slowly piled on the points to seal the victory.

“Siguro, number one thing is yung kumpiyansa na nanalo today. And then, how we worked on doon sa mga lapses at pag-adjust namin. Nag-adjust sila agad,” said head coach JP Yude.

“But I’m not really satisfied kasi I know them, how they can play, so ‘yon, we’ll work on that,” added Yude.

Both teams battled for the early advantage in the opening set, eventually reaching a 23-all deadlock. The Lady Falcons, however, found the two points they needed, with Mordi’s kill securing the 1–0 lead.

That finish fueled Adamson’s strong start in the second set as the Lady Falcons built a seven-point cushion, 17–10, before closing out the frame.

Abi Segui and Bella Sapienza provided a spark off the bench, with the opposite hitter delivering crucial kills while the setter consistently found Segui and Mordi to help Adamson secure the set.

Mordi continued to shine for Adamson, finishing with 22 points on 16 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces, while also recording 10 excellent receptions.

Eloi Dote added seven points across the second and third sets, including five of Adamson’s 14 blocks that helped stifle any momentum from UE.

Lhouriz Tuddao and Lana Barrera chipped in six points apiece, while Nitura contributed five attacks in the third set, along with two digs and one excellent reception.

Aside from the huge disparity in blocks, 14–3, the Lady Warriors managed just 28 kills in the hour-long match.

Former Adamson High School standout Janessa Buhay led UE with 12 points, 11 coming from attacks, while senior Van Bangayan was limited to eight markers.